Productivity Reviews

 

        When working with different tools that help keep data organized and in good order, I have found that Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have been very useful with many applications for both personal and professional circumstances. There are many uses that we may not consider when seeking efficiency and scalability through these tools. Through the years as a student and associate, I have been able to familiarize myself with different applications that provide much strength in unique ways.

To start, using a word processor has many advantages that support the creation of useful documents for professional settings as well as any documents you would like to create for personal use. The first Word document I ever made was a page long when I thought I could sit down at 12 years old and write a book. It ended up being a short story but still showed me the importance of the word processor. Most word processors grant the ability to format your documents to appear how you want them to appear. You can use the formatting settings to conform your documents contents to professional standards, scholarly parameters or even community guidelines. As a student, formatting papers in APA or MLA format has been a requirement and the entailed tools of word processors make that formatting as simple as a checklist and a timesaver. The only disadvantage I see in the word processor is the compactness of all the different tools. Even though the layout of the main sections in the heading of the program is all readily available, I wish they were displayed in a bigger box and easier to identify and incorporate.

Spreadsheets on the other hand are much more tangible and malleable because of the data driven format. This application also stores information effectively but is set up like a super calculator that lets the user perform calculations they want anytime they want. Creating a simple spreadsheet or even a complicated one is satisfying because of the ease of input and visibility on Excel and other spreadsheet applications. I have found that simple equations go a long way when making spreadsheets. They save you time and energy. Excel allows me to create specific documents for each shipment I account for at work. They may be simple, but they are easy to read and are not cluttered by unwanted information. The only disadvantage I see with the spreadsheet is the use of the arrow keys. I like to use them, but they are not always recognized as user inputs when I am using Excel. They should be completely responsive all the time.

Using PowerPoint has always been a good time for me as I have used it for school assignments and other projects. This type of formatting tool allows the user to create a document that appears in the form of a slideshow and allows the creator to tell a story as they flip through slides. This tool is most effective in the sharing of information with large groups of people and makes it easier for these groups to understand what you want them to know in a short amount of time. Unlike sending out a memo you made in a word processor, you can share a PowerPoint in a meeting, and everyone will hear your take on the presented information. This can lead to more effective communication and process execution. The disadvantage I see in PowerPoint is the time spent creating a slideshow. There really is a considerable amount of time used to make something look good and transition well, but one can write up all the slides beforehand, so they are not stuck formatting and writing all in the same sitting.

I think the most appropriate application software to document my daily activities was probably the word processor. Because of the specifics of my tasks, I was able to create an effective outline that would share information without boring the reader and break it up into sections so that the daily tasks did not appear to be all one big workday. I think the most effective scenario for the word processor would be a brainstorming session as needed. I find that to be a much-needed tool when I am brainstorming. A scenario I would most likely use the spreadsheet application for would be setting up or editing my budget. A budget doesn’t use too many complicated equations but it sure helps when trying to make sense of expenses, savings and income when there are so many moving pieces. Using the PowerPoint application is most appropriate to me when I have been assigned to lead a meeting at work. I can include visuals that will keep my colleagues engaged for longer as I am relaying information.